Pirates Rumors: Jared Jones once again being mentioned as trade candidate

If you thought we were done with the Jared Jones trade rumors that popped up during the offseason, think again.

At this point, we know that the Boston Red Sox reportedly inquired about the young Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander during MLB Winter Meetings in December. We also know that the Red Sox have since addressed their starting pitching needs by acquiring the likes of Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler and Patrick Sandoval during the offseason.

And yet, Jones' name is still coming up in trade rumors with spring training games underway.

Pirates Rumors: Jared Jones once again being mentioned as trade candidate

In a recent article exploring the MLB trade market at the start of spring training, Zachary Rymer of Bleacher Report tabbed Jones as a potential trade candidate in the "Young Players Whose Names Have Come Up" category.

"Before they gobbled up Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler and Patrick Sandoval, the Red Sox reportedly had talks with the Bucs about Jones at the winter meetings," Rymer wrote. "This doesn't necessarily mean that Jones, who impressed in spurts as a rookie in 2024, is available. Yet, given their dire need for an impact bat (or two), the Bucs would be unwise to take him off the table entirely. The Red Sox still make some sense for Jones, but it's easier to imagine clubs like the Orioles and Cubs subtracting from their hitting surpluses to get him."

The Pirates and Red Sox have a recent history of making trades, including Pittsburgh dealing right-handed pitcher Quinn Priester for second baseman/utility player Nick Yorke ahead of last year's trade deadline. Still, given the additions the Red Sox have already made to their pitching staff, they may not be as high on Jones (who should come at a high asking price) as they were back in December.

Still, as Rymer pointed out, a team as desperate for offense as the Pirates are would be unwise to take Jones off the table entirely. A promising young pitcher with multiple years of team control remaining, he could net a hefty return on the trade market.

A trade to a National League Central division rival like the Cubs feels like a non-starter for obvious reasons. The Orioles are an intriguing option, though, given their surplus of position player prospects who could end up developing into the kind of impact bats that the Pirates desperately need.

The Pirates may not be actively shopping Jones the way they reportedly were at Winter Meetings; but if some of their pitching prospects like Bubba Chandler and Thomas Harrington have a big spring and show they are capable of replacing Jones in the rotation, then trading him for a top hitting prospect could be in Pittsburgh's best interest.

More Pirates content from Rum Bunter